Buffalo Bills Practice Squad Now Totals Six Players

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Chris Manhertz (86) breaks a tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doran Grant (24) during the second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Steelers defeated the Saints 27-14. Buffalo Bills Practice Squad Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

We previously announced the additions of Dezmin Lewis and Jordan Gay to the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Now, four more have been added.

Jordan Gay and Dezmin Lewis were familiar faces to Buffalo Bills‘ fans who have followed this year’s training camp and preseason. Earlier today, we announced that they have both been added to the practice squad.

Now, the team has announced four more additions to the squad: Doran Grant, Matt Hazel, Gabe Ikard and Max Valles. These recent additions now bring the practice squad to a total of six players, out of the maximum ten.

Let’s start with Doran Grant, a cornerback who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. He was originally expected to crack the Steelers’ 53-man roster, but other players beat him to the spot. He saw action in three games last year with the team, but didn’t produce any big plays.

The Bills recently released three cornerbacks when they made their roster cut to 53 players: Mario Butler, Sammy Seamster and Sterling Moore. With five cornerbacks on their active roster right now, this move could add depth in case of an injury.

Next, we have Max Valles — a linebacker who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 draft by the Oakland Raiders. He was a part of the team during training camp, but didn’t make the 53-man roster. He was released by the Bills on September 2nd, but left a good enough impression for the team to bring him back on the practice squad.

Aug 4, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Matt Hazel (15) runs with the ball during practice drills at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bills have had a very tough time with linebackers and the season hasn’t even started yet. I’m sure they will need all the help they could get, so bringing in more depth behind the 8 we have active is more than likely a precautionary move.

Moving on to Matt Hazel, a wide receiver picked in the sixth round of the 2014 draft by the Miami Dolphins. He was a part of the group initially cut by the Dolphins this year when cutting their roster to 75 players. He was an outstanding college player at Coastal Carolina and will have an opportunity to prove himself alongside Dezmin Lewis. He appeared in five games last year with the Dolphins.

Lastly, we have guard Gabe Ikard. He’s a familiar face to the Bills, having played in three games for the team before moving to Cleveland and finally landing in Detroit. He was waived by the Lions as they were making their final cuts to the 53-man roster. He had a chance to be the Lions’ backup, but was beat by other players. Hopefully, we won’t be needing him this season.

Overall, the Bills made a few solid signings as they near the limit of 10 players on their practice squad. Here’s a full list of who they’ve signed so far:

WR Dezmin Lewis

K Jordan Gay

CB Doran Grant

WR Matt Hazel

LB Max Valles

G Gabe Ikard

The team kicks off their season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Stay tuned as we await the final four players to join the practice squad.

Which signing are you most pleased with so far? Leave your comments below!

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Buffalo Bills Practice Squad Now Totals 6 Players

By Ryan Brennan | Sep 5, 2016

We previously announced the additions of Dezmin Lewis and Jordan Gay to the Buffalo Bills practice squad. Now, four more have been added.